Pasco County Opens Fire Station 26

Mike Flannery wasn't surprised when Pasco firefighters responded to the smoke alarm that accidentally sounded at his Wesley Chapel home this past weekend.
He was surprised that they got there in just a few minutes.

``It's nine years overdue,'' said Flannery's wife, Terri. ``We were told we were getting a fire station when we moved in here 10 years ago.''

The wait also is over for residents in Hudson.

After months of legal wrangling and construction delays, construction was finished on Station No. 26 on June 6 and on Pasco Fire Station No. 21 in Hudson a week later - both were eight months behind schedule.

The opening of the Meadow Pointe station may alleviate concerns about rising homeowners insurance rates.

Several companies raised rates this year because of construction delays, and county officials heard complaints.

In spring 2002, Nelco Construction of Tampa was awarded a combined bid to build the Meadow Pointe station for $569,200 and the Hudson station, which replaces one next door on Frierson Lake Drive, for $577,450.

Delays forced Nelco to pony up thousands of dollars in fines.

By Sunday, workers at the Hudson station already were calling it home when the building was struck by lightning, said Dan Johnson, assistant county administrator for public services.

``It fried a washer and dryer, knocked out the power and telephone,'' he said.

09-11 .. 343 "All Gave Some..Some Gave ALL" God Bless..R.I.P.
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IACOJ Minister of Southern Comfort
"Purple Hydrant" Recipient (3 Times)
BMI Investigator
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The comments, opinions, and positions expressed here are mine. They are expressed respectfully, in the spirit of safety and progress. They do not reflect the opinions or positions of my employer or my department.